As fall’s dazzling colours come and go, we know it’s time to prepare for shorter days and dropping temperatures. Below are some cost-free tips to help you worry less about your energy consumption at home and enjoy the beauty this season has to offer.
- Your home’s thermostat: Sweater weather is here! Running your heating system less often during the daytime and lowering the temperature overnight, will help to reduce the cost to heat your home. Using a smart thermostat can make this easier by putting these changes on a schedule.
- Windows & curtains: Having properly insulated windows is a must! On sunny fall days, solar heat can significantly increase the temperature in a room. By harnessing the power of the sun during the day and using curtains to provide an extra layer of insulation at night, your heating system can take more breaks throughout the season.
- Ceiling fans: Heat rises! By running your ceiling fan clockwise, you can do more with less. A clockwise direction and a low speed can better circulate the heat in your home; drawing cooler air up and pushing warm air down into your living space.
- Indoor air filter: Dust build up means your HVAC system has to work harder than it needs to. Keeping your air filter dust-free by cleaning or replacing it monthly will keep the system working at more desired levels.
- Vents: Keep all furniture, carpets and/or drapes away from your vent openings. Vent deflectors can be used to help direct heat into your central living space.
Canada in the fall can sometimes feel magical. By incorporating these tips at home, along with actions like insulating your home, seasonal furnace tune-ups and maintaining fireplaces, you will find yourself saving more on energy costs and happily welcoming this year’s change in the air.
